Iligan[2] is a city in the northeastern coast of Mindanao, surrounded by the towns of Baloi and Linamon of Lanao del Norte on the south, the town of Lugait of Misamis Oriental on the north, and the land of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon on the east and Iligan Bay on the west.

Despite various warnings regarding this part of Mindanao, and rumors spread even by some Filipinos (who probably never been there), Iligan was safe as of Jul 2014. There is heavy police and armed forces presence at the city entrance, but otherwise the city looks like every other city in Philippines. The major waterfalls also seem to be safe; the famous Maria Cristina waterfall is located at the territory of the active hydroelectric power plant with the implied security measures. Tinaga and Mumbalut falls are slightly further, but in the area which receives a lot of traffic, especially on the weekend. The more remote waterfalls however may be more dangerous to visit due to the extremists hiding in the mountains, so there's a slight chance to end up in a wrong place in a wrong time. Check with locals.

Chroniclers say that centuries ago, long before Legaspi's expedition reached the Philippines in 1565, the Tala-andigs and the Banhawons, two of the known peace-loving Higa-onon tribes of Mindanao, had to build an ilihan or iliyan, meaning a "fortress of defense" on the coastal plain to secure them from the frequent attacks of pirates and savage tribes. Hence, the place to be called as Iligan. Some say its name was derived from the seasonal surge and outflow of its two major rivers. Local folks call this alluvial phenomenon "ilig". This is the reason why Iliganons consider the monsoon season a blessing because the soil along the riverbanks are fertilized. Its Cebuano-speaking inhabitants likes to believe that Iligan means "where good fortune gravitates".

Obviously, Mother Nature has blessed this city of more than 300,000 inhabitants. Not only is it situated on a limestone-rich area, it is also way out of the typhoon belt, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Iligan is also ringed with more than twenty waterfalls (earning the monicker "City of Majestic Waterfalls") and more than a dozen springs distributed evenly within a 30-kilometer radius of the city.

Its rivers and tributaries practically caused Iligan to move forward economically and make it the industrial center of Mindanao today.

Besides its rich natural resources, it is also the home of nationally acclaimed artists, poets, cultural workers and writers.

Iligan is predominantly Christian (93.61%). Iliganons are the mixture of the Muslim and Cebuano population with a minority of Tagalog and some other cultural minorities and immigrants from other places.

Iligan City is served by the new Laguindingan International Airport (CGY), which also serves Cagayan de Oro; the flight destination is Cagayan de Oro. The airport is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes away from Iligan. There are multiple daily flights from Manila and Cebu, there are also flights to/from Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Clark, Caticlan, Tagbilaran. Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines serve this airport.

To get to Iligan from the airport take a Super 5 shuttle which costs 50PHP and after 10 minute ride will will drop you at the highway. There the Super 5 bus will pick you up on its way from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan; the bus fare is 70PHP and those buses go every 30 minutes. You can also try to take a taxi, a reasonable fare would be 800-1200PHP.

The best way to travel to Iligan from Cagayan de Oro is by bus. At Bulua Bus Terminal you can find buses going to Iligan. Those buses leave every 15 minutes, there are currently two companies - Rural Transit and Super 5 (which seem to have better buses). Rural Transit has both aircon and non-aircon buses; Super 5 seems to have only aircon buses. The aircon buses are fast and modern, but may get chilly during the ride. Depending on the weather and traffic expect the ride to take from 90 to 120 minutes.

Jeepneys or jips are the most common public transport in the city with a minimal fare of P7.50. Taxis are readily available anytime of the day. It can be radio dispatched, and will pick you up if you give the dispatcher a call. Habal-habal or motorcycles are most common especially in going to the city outskirts or hinterland areas. There is also the famous "Tartanillas" (calesas) that is also a public mode of transportation which serves through Barangay Pala-o and Barangay Tambacan.

A number of these attractions are quite unique and could only be found in this city. There are numerous waterfalls, springs, and beach resorts.

This is not the final list on what's worth seeing, but it's a good place to start whether you're a first-time visitor or an Iligan expert.

Downtown Iligan - A lot has changed since the tri-people (cultural mix of Maranaos of Lanao del Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon, the predominantly Christian settlers and migrants from other parts of the country) helped create the foundation of this city. Today's downtown practically has most of the ammenities that make an urban center - hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and cultural attractions.

Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House - The house boasts as the only house in Mindanao where two Philippine Presidents resided. One being the father, and the other, the daughter, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal and HE Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo respectively. In 1994, upon the instigation of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal, the lot where the house stands and a two-hectare cocoland nearby were donated to the City Government of Iligan for the purpose of developing the place into a tourist destination with a memorabilia of the Macaraeg-Macapagal Family.

Iligan City Hall - The seat of the city government, is on top of Buhanginan Hill, some 47 meters above sea level. It was built way back in 1957.

Anahaw Open Amphitheater - On Buhanginan Hill's southeastern side is Anahaw Ampitheater, probably the biggest open amphitheater in Mindanao, which is a venue for theater, sports tournaments, celebrations, and other activities. The amphitheater and the city hall is only less than 3 kilometers away from the city proper.

Bayug Island - Bayug (an island sitio of Barangay Hinaplanon, 3.7 km northeast of poblacion) is traditionally considered as the first settlement in Iligan even in pre-Islamic times but this was destroyed due to a calamity happened on December 16, 2011 when a destructive flood destroyed the beautiful place.

You may request for a tour guide at the City Tourism Office, Bahay Salakot, Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o, Iligan City Tel. #221-3426 or you may wish to go around on your own. Here are some tips for the unguided tourist for a whole day tour.

7:00 Breakfast

8:00 ETD Buhanginan Hill From Poblacion (City Proper) take a jeepney (Iligan-Palao-City Hall-City Hospital) and inform the driver to take you to City hall. Jeepney Fare is P7.50

8:15 ETD Buhanginan Hill The road going to the top of the Buhanginan Hill is a quick and convenient challenge and favorite destination for early-morning joggers. At the top is a playground where children can romp around. It houses the City Hall which is 49 years old, the new City Council Building, the Anahaw Amphitheatre. You'll get a good view of the city from the hill too. Some 200 meters from the City Hall is the Bahay Salakot which houses the City Tourism Office and the Iligan Investment Promotion Center.

9:30 ETD for Maria Christina Falls Take a Jeepney from Buhanginan Hill to City proper. Tell the driver to drop you at Masonic Temple and pay a fare of P7.50. From there take a jeepney (Iligan-Buruun route) to Maria Cristina Falls. Fare is P13.00. Inform driver to drop you at the crossing going to Maria Cristina Falls.

10:15 ETA at Gate of NPC Agus VI and Agus VII Hydro-electric Power Plant Complex From the crossing of the National Highway and road leading to Maria Cristina Falls is the NPC gate which is some 150 meters from the highway You shall be asked to register at the gate, fill out some forms and leave an ID. In exchange you shall be given an ID PASS which you shall be asked to wear at all times while inside the complex. From the gate to Agus VI HEP Plant where you shall be viewing the falls, is an 800 meter walk. Maria Cristina Falls is open to the Public everyday, however should you wish to view its full grandeur, it is recommended to view it on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

11:45 ETD from Maria Christina Falls to Timoga Cold Springs From the gate of the complex walk towards the highway and cross it.

1:00 Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House

1:30 ETD for Mimbalut Falls Tell driver to drop you at Buru-un talipapa (stalls selling fish). Fare is P6.50. At the talipapa are the habal-habal (motorcycles used as public transport) inform barker that you're going to Tinago Falls.

2:00 ETD for Tinago Falls Literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascading beautifully into a basin-like pool, clean, and deep and icy cold. It has an elevation of approximately 420 feet. It is 13.8 kilometers away from the city proper. Rate is P20.00 per head, Minimum passenger is 2 passengers. If you are alone and you do not wish to wait for additional passenger then fare is P40.00. You may make arrangements with driver to pick you up at the Iligan Tinago Mountain Resort and special rates can be arranged. Entrance fee at the Iligan tinago Mountain Resort is P10.00.

Mimbalut Falls - It is a site to behold and provides an enjoyable swimming spot. Picnic tables are available if you simply want to wade and enjoy a quiet scenery and listen to the melodious chirping of birds.

In Brgy. Hindang lies Hindang Falls and caves, a 40 ft. high two tiered waterfalls with lagoon ideal for swimming. It is nestled with towering peaks sheltering it from the sun and prying people. Other attractions of the barangay are the 6-8 cave clusters. Most caves have narrow entrances with long and deep chambers.

Mt. Agad-Agad - Approximately 1,600 ft above sea level, very accessible and is good for mountain hikings and campings. A small waterfall is also featured on the way to the top of the mountain. Because it's so easy to climb, you may go up Mount Agad-agad in the morning and come down in the afternoon. But the trek will be much more worth the sweat if you spend the night there. At the peak, the panoramic overlooking view of Iligan City and Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental right across Iligan Bay is a spectacle. But wait till evening when the city lights look like the reflection of the stars.

Golf and Country Club of Iligan - A 9-hole golf course laid out on gently rolling low green hills which is a favorite among local golfers and others who come to Iligan. It is located in Barangay Tipanoy which is about 6.0 kilometers away from the city proper.

Adlaw sa Iligan - On June 16, 1950, President Elpidio Quirino signed into law the charter of the new city of Iligan. In 1984, June 16 of every year was declared as "Adlaw sa Iligan" to commemorate and celebrate the founding of Iligan as a chartered city. It is usually during the weeklong celebration of the Iligan City Charter Day that the city government forges unity and partnership with the private sector and the barangay leaders in fellowship gatherings. Activities that traditionally enliven the occasion are agro-industrial fair, cultural and artistic performances and the Tambayayong Festival, a float competition of various government agencies.

Diyandi Festival sa Iligan - Folk-lore depicts Iligan's patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel as the protector of peace. Thus, his feast every 29th of September, is a grand celebration in the city. In fact, it has transformed into a month-long festival, the "DIYANDI FESTIVAL SA ILIGAN". Every September 27th, Kasadya streetdancing and merrymaking is participated in by different schools, civic organizations, and ethnic groups. It is a showcase of Iliganon tradition depicting historical, cultural, and religious aspects, group competition of tribal dances, and presentation of a religious stage play.

Alimyon Flower Festival - Every Oct.30-Nov.2 flowers are brought directly from cut-flower growers in the farms and are priced cheaper than those displayed at shops and markets. The flowers in Iligan are also sold at Zamboanga City, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, and Pagadian.

The city uses the Philippine peso. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged to Philippine peso at any banks, and authorized money changers. there are also many ATMs around the city but all have a 250 fee for overseas cards.

For foreigners, it would be wise to always have Philippine bills and coins (for convenience).

Silvestro's Bistro and Confiserie, ☎0063 63 223 7522. Soup, salad, sandwich, mains, as well as a selection of typical Western, Asian and European fusion food are served. The atmosphere is relaxed and caters mostly to tourists and expatriates, politicians, local business elites, and upper to middle class guests as well. Reservations are not essential, but if you are going with a large group it is best to phone and place your orders ahead of time as food is only prepared once ordered. Dietary restrictions can be catered for if informed in advance. The coffee shop also provides a large choice of local and imported coffee from different faces of the earth. Serves light snacks and cakes together with a choice coffee servings like cappuccino, cafe latte and more made of authentic 100% Arabica Coffee.edit

Iligan City accommodations lack variety. There are many budget hotels, and a few splurge hotels with little in between. The majority of the hotels and pension houses are serving the short-stay clientele, and you can rent a room for as short as three hours for around 200PHP. Do not let this to turn you away from a location however - this is a recommended option for the non-splurge travelers, as those locations also rent rooms for the overnight and 24hr stay, and typically those rooms are located away from the short stay rooms, so the noise and transient population is not usually a concern. All hotels have security, and room cleaning is available 24/7. As usual, ask to see the room before you pay.

Cheradel Suites, Bro. Jeffrey Road, 063 223 8118, fax 063 221 4926.

Maria Cristina Hotel, Gen. Aguinaldo St., 063 221 5308. This hotel is large, does not rent rooms for short time, has a great location and is inexpensive. However it really needs repair, especially the rooms.

Home-stay Accommodation. Travellers who express preference to stay in houses of locals than in hotels or commercial inns can choose from among the 8 private homes in Iligan. Reservations can be made thru the City Tourism Office, Bahay Salakot, Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o, this city or call 221-3426 for details.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!